These spot coolers use HCFC (Freon gas) as a refrigerant, and are class 1 products according to the CFC Recovery and Destruction Law (commercial refrigeration equipment). Consequently, it is illegal to release Freon into the atmosphere without permission. If the unit would break, it is necessary to recover the Freon. In case you are disposing of the unit, make sure to let a local professional authorized to handle class 1 Freon dispose of the Freon in the unit.